Persuasive essay refers to the kind of writing, which presents reasons and examples to effect thought

and/or action. It requires the clear statement of an opinion and reasons or specific examples to support said
opinion. With the intention to persuade or to convince the readers, the writers usually follow this structure:
1. Statement of the thesis, or the theme/topic of an argument. It usually presents a
controversial topic and the writer’s stand about it. A good thesis should state a truth (e.g.
Divorce is not allowed in the Philippines.) or advocate a cause of action (e.g. English should
be used as the medium of instruction in all public and private institutions.)Likewise, the
thesis should be something that can be proven.
2. Enumeration of a set of reasons supporting the thesis. This part elaborates on the necessity
of the proposal, its advantages and workability.
3. Presentation of evidences that substantiate the reasons and strengthen the thesis.
Evidences and arguments must be laid down carefully for a persuasive effect. They should
appeal to reason or logic, to ethics, and to emotions.
4. Conclusion which reinforces the thesis and calls for action.
These parts are interrelated, but the value and effectiveness of persuasive essays rely heavily on
arguments. This is why, as a critical reader, you need to know how to evaluate arguments before you can
say that the text is convincing or not. An easy way to do this is to remember the acronym TELLS (thesis,
evidence, logic, language and style), and ask the following questions:

Thesis Evidence
Is it specific and reasonable? Does it clearly Are there varied range of evidences (such as
present only the scope that needs to be scientific studies, expert testimonies,
proven? statistics, and personal anecdotes) from
Persuasive credible sources? Are they verifiable? Do the
Logic Argumentevidences strengthen the argument?
Are the analogy or comparisons, if any, and Language and Style
conclusions clear and valid? Are opposing
views acknowledged and countered/refuted Is the writing style and tone suited for the
to minimize the writer’s personal bias? Ban Yet Againand the intended audience? Are
Homework
subject/topic
the word
Homework is necessary, especially if it is reasonable, choice andand
well-planned, language appropriate?
monitored or checked
properly. Students themselves agree to this, adding that doing homework keeps them away from gadget
addiction. In fact, based on the survey of American researcher Denise Letterman about the perception
of students towards homework assignments, 80 percent of the respondents said that the assignment is
necessary to understand course material.
Homework can also encourage the involvement of parents, especially when they tutor or assist
their children in doing the task -- a bonding time of sorts. It also lets them see how the child is
progressing and what topics are taught in school.
In cases of class suspension due to inclement weather, or when a student incurs many days of
absence from school, homework assignments are important in ensuring that no student will be lagging
behind in mastering the necessary competencies.
Quite obviously, whether or not teachers should give homework assignments is not the million-
dollar question. It’s about the quality of instruction.
If policy makers only intend to allow learners to have quality time with their families, or to help
them balance academic development and personal growth, perhaps they should look first into how
homework assignments can be regulated (not prohibited) so as not to compromise the students’ family
time. They could also organize programs that would help educators in improving the quality of their
instruction so that every discussion, task and homework maximizes student learning.

1. Which of the following is the most accurate thesis statement for the passage?
a. Homework should be totally banned.
b. Home works are beneficial to students.
c. Home works promote bonding time among parents and children.
d. Home works do not improve the quality of instruction in the classroom.
2. Based on how the essay was written, which of the following is not among the intended audience?
a. Students c. Teachers
b. Parents d. Out-of-school Youth (OSY)
3. Which of these evidences could have further strengthened the writer’s arguments?
a. scientific studies c. expert’s testimonies
b. specific examples d. official documents
4. What details should have been included to make to make the arguments more balanced?
a. The parents’ personal views about homework
b. Teachers’ feedback about the quality of the homework submitted
c. The negative effects of homework and a counterargument about it
d. The DepEd memorandum banning the giving of homework on weekends
5. What is the greatest weakness of this essay if it intended to convince readers that homework should
not be banned?
a. It failed to present and refute opposing ideas.
b. There is not enough evidence to support the thesis.
c. It lacks a strong conclusion that reiterates the importance of homework.
d. The language and writing style is not appropriate for its intended audience.